Korg miniKorg 700FS Synthesizer
Korg has announced a new synthesizer, the miniKorg 700FS that is a modern nod to past innovation.
Korg goes back to its roots (miniKorg 700) with the miniKorg 700FS, a new version of its first analogue synth. The miniKorg 700 released in 1973 was Korg’s first mass-produced analogue synth, and now after almost 50 years later, it is back. The new miniKorg 700FS is actually a revival of the MiniKorg 700S, which was launched in 1974 and added more functionality, but make no mistake, this is Korg going right back to its synth roots.
Unique ‘sub keyboard’ can be used for phat leads and basses.
Looking back, the miniKorg 700 was a simple and slightly unusual instrument, and the same could be said of this new version, which was designed in collaboration with Fumio Mieda, the creator of the original. A good number of the controls are positioned below the keyboard on the front panel, the theory being that this makes them easy to access when the synth is positioned on top of a main keyboard such as an organ or electric piano. This is because the miniKorg 700 was originally conceived as a sub keyboard – one that might be used for additional lead or bass sounds during a performance. The FS can be used in the same way. While the original miniKorg 700 was a single oscillator monosynth, the S model added a second oscillator, and this is included in the FS version as well. As such, you can create even phatter, detuned sounds. Like the S, the FS has a ring modulator, too.
The miniKorg 700FS features that are completely new include a spring reverb effect, a joystick for pitchbend and modulation, and aftertouch on the 37-note keyboard, an arpeggiator, while connectivity includes a USB port, MIDI IN and a CV/Gate In jack. A memory button enables you to store your favourite patches.
Perhaps, you are already be familiar with the filter circuit from the miniKorg 700, as it was included in the Volca Keys and Volca Bass. The filter can be tweaked using the unique Traveler controller; this consists of two sliders sitting below the keyboard for adjusting the cut-off frequency. The upper one controls the low-pass filter and the lower one takes care of the high-pass filter.
Befitting the vintage feel and look, the miniKorg 700FS comes with a luxurious looking hard case, to enable you to keep it safe when it is out on the road.
Find out more on the Korg website. A price and release date are still to be confirmed.
admin said
am January 21 2021 @ 3:25 pm
If you are an owner of the original MiniKorg, you would probably write down the positions of the parameters of a patch you loved. Thankfully, this iteration features a memory program button to save your patches without a pen and paper.